Like the comic book characters who inspired them, the BoxingWatchers are dedicated to observe all of the biggest fights the sweet science has to offer. With no insider access to the sport, they record what they've seen here. The BoxingWatchers are passionate fans who pledge to bring you intelligent opinions, predictions, reviews and commentary.

11.4.09

Tonight's HBO broadcast comes from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The first fight is between two big heavyweights, Chris Arreola and Jameel McCline.

The tale of the tape shows Arreola giving up height and reach, and unsurprisingly, he's a bit heavier than his camp would like. He is 26-0 with 23 KOs.

McCline weighed in at 271 pounds after saying he was retired following his last fight. He is 39-9-3 but has lost three of his last four fights.

Michael Buffer makes the introductions and we're all set for action.

Round 1

Arreola goes to the body early. He throws a right upstairs and stays active. McCline jabs his way in and ties up. More body work from Chris. He lands a nice right upstairs too. McCline throws three jabs and a right hand. Arreola just misses with an uppercut, then he connects with a nice shot along the ropes.

Franchise: 10-9 Arreola

Spartan117: 10-9 Arreola

Round 2

The ref has to break the fighters up early. McCline tries more jabs. He's backing and circling more too. Arreola walks him into the corner but gets tied up. McCline comes out with a hard two-punch combo. That seems to light a fire under Chris, who scores with a straight right and an uppercut. McCline's head snaps back along the ropes. Jameel looks a little shell-shocked right now.

Franchise: 10-9 Arreola

Spartan117: 10-9 Arreola

Round 3

Both guys start throwing as soon as the bell rings. Arreola presses forward behind his right hands. He lands with both hands in combination, but gets hit with a right hand coming back. McCline wobbles Arreola a bit with a left hook. He lands another left in close. Arreola fires a left uppercut but McCline lands another hard shot right at the bell.

Franchise: 10-9 McCline

Spartan117: 10-9 McCline

Round 4

Arreola shows no signs of real damage as he delivers the first hard punches of this frame. He likes that uppercut-body shot combo and uses it effectively again. Chris steps forward and uses a left uppercut and a straight right to send McCline to the canvas! Jameel can't answer the count and it's all over - Arreola wins by KO.

The winner by KO at 2:01 of Round 4... Chris Arreola.

Arreola is excited to be in the ring with Larry Merchant. Chris says his opponent took and gave good punches. He says he wants to fight the best and mentions the Klitschko brothers by name.

Asked if he's worthy to step up against the best, he turns the question around on Merchant. Arreola gives credit to his sparring partners for getting him ready.

Though he says he'll fight whoever his promoter lines up, it's clear Arreola would like a title shot.

Merchant also gets a few words with McCline. Jameel says Arreola did what he had to do and can see Chris fighting for a title very soon.

Jim Lampley gets a chance to talk to Ricky Hatton for a bit between fights. The Hitman repeats his opinion that Manny Pacquiao's win against Oscar De La Hoya wasn't that impressive, and he thinks he'll be the stronger, more explosive fighter come May 2.

Hatton also talks about his improvements under the tutelage of Floyd Mayweather Sr. Lampley points out that he's a little black under both eyes, but Ricky says he likes the sparring he's been getting in Las Vegas.